Vikings News: JJ McCarthy’s Kid Was Sick All Week

The most important game of any season is the one right in front of you. That really couldn’t be more true for the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, as they head to Ford Field for a matchup against the Detroit Lions.

J.J. McCarthy is back on the field for the first time since Week 2. He’s healed from his high ankle sprain and locked in as Kevin O’Connell’s starting quarterback. Although he’s physically in a better place, his parenting responsibilities have thrown a bit of a wrench in his return.

JJ McCarthy’s week interrupted by dad duties

Back in the state where he was celebrated as a National Champion, J.J. McCarthy will square off against his college teammate Aidan Hutchinson. Hopefully he got a good week of rest and recovery, laser-focused on getting a victory over the Lions.

Unfortunately, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Sunday morning that McCarthy’s life has provided the opposite of those things recently, because his infant son has been sick. That means dad slept in a different room where he HOPEFULLY got his beauty rest.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is back today against the Lions — and his days at Michigan were on his mind this week. @NFLGameDay @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/UGfyuVb1eJ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 2, 2025

“McCarthy told me his infant son was sick this week. So J.J. slept in a separate room, in his old college bed. It made him think of all the nights he spent dreaming about moments like this. A big NFL division game, on the road, he’s embracing the challenge today.”

Tom Pelissero

It makes sense that McCarthy would look to avoid any potential of getting sick. It’s also worth wondering if the old bed caused any lack of sleep. Visualization is a powerful tool though, and McCarthy reminiscing about his desired future could pay dividends.

The former Wolverines quarterback won a National Championship while sleeping in that bed. That level of weight isn’t tied to today’s game, but at 3-4, the Vikings desperately need an upset win. Getting back to .500, and taking a game from a strong division rival, could provide a turning point for the season.

QB1 Clocking in
pic.twitter.com/AvzGMThRSS

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) November 2, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings have taken plenty of warranted criticism over their decision to move on from quarterbacks of old. McCarthy’s performance, or lack thereof, is at the crux of that reasoning. A big win with a strong performance would justify their decision to roll with the youngster.